Pack a Bag For Your Feet

Besides golf shoes and hiking boots or strappy new sandals you may not give your feet much thought when it comes time to pack for your summer vacation, but at Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle we want to remind our patients that good foot healthcare never takes a holiday. By planning ahead and packing a few essential items you can help ensure that your feet will get the rest and relaxation they deserve too!

First Aid Basics—antibiotic ointment and bandages are good to have in case you get a small cut or scrape on your foot.  Remember that bacteria have an easy entry if you have an open cut so avoid swimming in lakes and rivers if you have a wound. Take some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen) with you too in case you overdo a sport or fitness activity.

Happy Trails—long walks and hikes are a favorite vacation pastime. If these are part of your summer travel plans be sure to pack the appropriate shoes or boots. Climbing a mountainous trail in flips flops is a shortcut to serious injury. Put some moleskin in your backpack too and apply to any spot on your foot or ankle where foot wear is rubbing and causing irritation. Hopefully you can head a blister off at the pass but if one does form, don’t pop it. Cover with a bandage.

Fun in the Sun—you may remember to pack sunscreen for the rest of your body but don’t forget to apply it to your feet too—tops and bottoms. Since your feet don’t see the sun most of the year, it’s a good idea to put it on even for a day of shopping or sightseeing if you’re wearing open shoes.

Dive In—the right place for flip flops is the beach changing room, hotel pool and gym locker room. Keeping feet covered in damp public places is the best way to prevent fungal infections from attacking your feet.

If you notice any signs of athlete’s foot or fungal toenails when you return from vacation or if you hurt your foot or ankle,  be sure to contact either our Waldorf or Clinton office to schedule an appointment for an evaluation by our foot doctor, Larry Hotchkiss, DPM.